University of Kent

The University of Kent is a public research university established by Royal Charter in 1965. Its principal campus sits on a hilltop parkland site overlooking the cathedral city of Canterbury, with a second campus in the Medway towns. The university teaches around 16,000 students across ten academic schools covering subjects from the humanities, law and social sciences to computing, engineering, business and the natural sciences.

Kent has a well-regarded research profile, with its history department assessed as first in the UK in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, and its alumni include two Nobel laureates in Literature. It is a partner, with Canterbury Christ Church University, in the Kent and Medway Medical School. In August 2026 Kent and the University of Greenwich came together to form the London and South East University Group, a new multi-university group in which both institutions continue to operate as distinct academic divisions and keep their own names and identities.

Information for International Students

The University of Kent has a long-standing international character, with students from more than 100 nationalities studying across its campuses. The university provides dedicated regional contacts for major recruitment markets, and a Student Immigration Compliance Team issues Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) statements and advises on Student visa matters, including the Graduate Route. Independent immigration advice is also available through the students' union advice service.

The level of English required is set for each course, with IELTS for UKVI tiers ranging from 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component) to 7.0 for the most demanding programmes. Pre-sessional English courses are offered for students who need to raise their language level before starting a degree.

The University of Kent International College, operated with Oxford International, occupies a dedicated building on the Canterbury campus. It delivers an International Foundation Programme, International Year One, International Year Zero and International Incorporated Master's routes, with full access to university facilities. Accommodation is guaranteed to first-year students who apply by the deadline and meet the eligibility criteria, either on the Canterbury campus or at Pier Quays in Medway.